The world looks on as America stands proud. We'll avenge the deaths of our people attacked on our own ground.
There have been other times when we were called to attention. The wars of the world are too numerous to mention.
But, this one is different, and will take our resolve. It will take all that we have in order to solve.
It will take the trust in our leaders to direct us today; to send our great military out on their way.
It will take our great fighters and those who protect. It will take all our people back home to pray and reflect.
It will take sacrifice and giving, and pain beyond measure. But, we must do all this and more to save the nation we treasure.
For, God chose America to be His own. God is the only reason we have prospered and grown.
We know we can win this, God is on our side. God knows where evil lurks and where evil hides.
So,we must be patient and seek God every day; down on our knees asking him to "Bless the U.S.A."
Debbie-Kaye Drake, 09/21/01
(Remembering a WWII Veteran)
You must have been lonely, on foreign land. Your wife and children were quietly going about their lives, waiting for your return. It was so hard for all of you.
I did not yet know you. I was one of your children born after the war. I never listened to you later when you told your stories of fighting and fearing and all the horrors of war. Your war was World War Two. And over fifty years later, I am wondering how you must have felt back then. Can you see me now? Do you know how often I think of you?
I see the elder Veterans of Foreign Wars sometimes in parades, walking or riding in fancy cars. There are so few of those left here from your era. I always think of you, and yes, I cry. I wish you had not left us so soon. I wish I hadn't been such a smart-alec, know-it-all, the-old-man-is-crazy-anyway, 21-year old when you died. How this mother of two sons would love, even cherish, to hear your stories now. How you would be so proud of your grandsons.
My oldest son, Jason, has joined the Marines. I am proud that he is a more mature and selfless 21-year-old than his mother was. If only you were here, I know he would relish in your history and stories and experience. Now, when I see the American flag waving in the breeze, I stand prouder still because he has followed in your footsteps of joining the ranks of Americans who proudly serve their country in war and peace.
I have your wallet intact just as you left it when you died over 20 years ago. I know you were proud of your service to your country, as inside the wallet I discovered your Honorable Discharge paper from the United States Army. If you didn't accomplish as much as you would have liked in your lifetime, you can be proud you were one of a generation who truly saved the world.
Daddy, all I really have that belonged to you is your wallet and the American Flag that was draped across your casket. That about says it all.
Please forgive me for my youthful preoccupation and self-centeredness at the time you died. Time has taught me to understand the meaning of sacrifice and commitment and to realize just how much you gave to your country. I hope and pray to see you again someday.
I Love You,
Your Daughter Debbie
Debbie-Kaye Drake, 01/22/91; revised 04/30/01